小火星

“……”

“……”

“……”

The only Korean movie invited to the Cannes Film Festival’s ‘In Competition’ section. That is, the afternoon screening of ‘Leech’. The 3,000 seats were packed. However, despite the audience being filled with world-famous celebrities, the theater was as silent as a mouse. People of all nationalities sat in complete silence. The grand theater’s interior was devoid of even a single cough.

The incident began right after Kang Woojin’s greeting, delivered in a low tone.

“Bonsoir, Je suis très content d’être à Cannes.”

French, echoing across the theater. And it was incredibly fluent. The first to react was the interpreter staff member next to Woojin. He quickly turned to look at Kang Woojin, eyes wide.

‘……What, what the heck! Why is he so good at French??! This isn’t just a practiced level, is it???’

Meanwhile, Kang Woojin’s greeting continued, filled with cynicism. Of course, it was still in fluent French.

“It’s an honor to show you ‘Leech’ and introduce my acting to you all.”

The eyes of the 3,000 audience members grew even wider, filled with shock. There was a hint of confusion mixed in. And it was understandable. No one would have expected a Korean actor, especially one they were seeing for the first time, to suddenly greet them in French.

In the midst of this.

“Huh-”

“……?”

“What, what’s going on?”

“Wow-”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, with his short white hair and wealth of experience.

‘French? He knows French? I thought he only spoke English, Japanese, and sign language? Did he spend time here in the past??’

Veteran actors Sim Han-ho and Oh Hee-ryung.

‘What is this guy- is there no end to him? With all those other skills, and now he speaks French too? Unless he’s been trained as an actor since he was a child, this wouldn’t be possible.’

‘…Oh my, practiced? No, even to me, who doesn’t know any French, this sounds above professional-level. What in the world is he.’

Even Jin Jae-jun and Han So-jin were left with their mouths agape.

‘In-insane. He speaks French too?? Was he educated abroad… in France??!’

The entire ‘Leech’ team was staring blankly at Kang Woojin, who stood beside them. Half of them looked like they had lost their minds. Naturally, their misunderstandings grew, each one creating their own narrative. But Woojin, unfazed by the shock around him, continued speaking in French.

“I’m nervous about watching ‘Leech’ with so many people, and I did my best to act without shortcomings.”

By this point.

“Who is that Korean actor? His French is incredibly fluent.”

The 3,000 audience members began murmuring. In particular, the French attendees, who made up over half of the crowd, reacted most strongly.

“……This is amazing. Did he practice? Even for practice, it’s too natural.”

“It doesn’t… seem like practice. It’s to the point where you could believe he actually lives in France. We’d know if it were just practice.”

“Didn’t he speak fluent English during the red carpet event?”

“Not only is his pronunciation perfect, but he sounds like a native. Looks like he must have lived in France in the past.”

“He might have studied acting here.”

“Ahh- that’s possible too.”

From Cannes officials, actors, directors, journalists- all were astounded. For a Korean actor from halfway across the world to speak their language so casually was a bizarre sight.

“In the history of Cannes, has a Korean actor, or rather, any Asian actor, ever spoken French this fluently?”

“Some might have practiced simple phrases, but this level is a first. We’re witnessing something unusual.”

“Amazing, he must have connections to France.”

“From his French alone, he must have spent at least a few years here, maybe even more.”

“He could be of mixed heritage.”

“Hmm.”

The murmuring grew louder. Though Cannes Film Festival appears to be a global celebration, a closer look reveals that a significant portion of the attendees are French. This only heightened the excitement.

Kang Woojin wrapped up his greeting in French.

“As the Director mentioned, all the actors and staff dedicated themselves to completing this work. I hope you enjoy it.”

Dressed in an all-black suit, he calmly handed over the mic. Jin Jae-jun, who was staring blankly at Woojin, took the hand-held mic in a daze. However, the gazes of the ‘Leech’ team and the 3,000 audience members were still fixed on…

“……”

Kang Woojin, whose face remained a perfect poker face. Miley Cara, with her blue eyes sparkling, shouted internally.

‘What on earth is this man’s identity!!’

She felt this way even more because she had witnessed quite a lot about Woojin.

‘Okay, fine, he speaks English, but didn’t he also speak Japanese fluently?? And he has that level of vocals, can play the piano, knows “CQC”! And his acting skills are absurdly high???’

In the midst of her thoughts, she recalled the dishes Kang Woojin had cooked for her. Come to think of it, his cooking skills were also chef-level. Even Cara herself, a global star with both acting and musical abilities, felt that the physical capabilities of this cold Korean actor before her was completely beyond reach.

‘Monster, alien- those words don’t even begin to cover it! And after turning the entire theater upside down, why does he remain so calm??’

The expressions of the ten official Cannes jury members were varied, but they all shared a common look of astonishment. Joseph and Megan, with deeply furrowed brows, looked as if they were questioning the reality of what they had just witnessed.

“Knowing French… isn’t strange in itself, but. No, this is strange. Way too strange.”

“Most people struggle to master even one language in real life. But Kang Woojin handles multiple languages so effortlessly- could he be someone who’s living his second life?”

“Even if he were, it’d still be strange.”

The stunt team and executives from ‘Universal Movies’ were also left speechless. One actor seemed to possess far too many talents. In contrast, Danny Landis, a Hollywood heavyweight director who wasn’t as familiar with Woojin, managed to remain somewhat calm. Although he was surprised, he lacked as much background information as the others.

‘His French is on a native level.’

With his arms crossed, Director Danny continued watching Woojin on stage, while recalling something Joseph had mentioned earlier that day- that Kang Woojin’s past was shrouded in mystery.

‘I heard his English is also top-notch. Seeing him use French so freely, it seems he honed his acting skills not in Korea, but here in Hollywood and Europe.’

Errors and misunderstandings run rampant.

‘That actor- he’s remarkably relaxed. Whether he’s bold or just overflowing with confidence, no matter how you look at it, he doesn’t seem like an actor with only two years of experience.’

Here, Director Danny focused less on the fact that Woojin was speaking French and more on something else: the veteran-like energy and aura he exuded.

‘Quite a rare dignity and composure. That’s not something you can just imitate. It’s something that flows out naturally. How did he manage to embody that in just two years?’

The sheer presence Kang Woojin displayed was something achievable only after over a decade of acting experience. It was something reality dictated couldn’t be learned in a mere two years. And as a Hollywood giant, Director Danny was well aware of this.

Whatever the case.

“……Hello, I’m actor Jin Jae-jun.”

In the midst of the feverishly heated atmosphere, Jin Jae-jun continued with his greeting. Of course, even at this point, Kang Woojin’s poker face remained unshaken. However, on the inside, Woojin was practically bursting with excitement.

‘Wow—nailed it! I almost slipped up because I was so nervous! Phew, everyone was staring daggers at me; the pressure was intense. But really, if I don’t get to use my French now, when else would I?’

Woojin’s first official act at the Cannes Film Festival was a huge success.

‘I mean, who knows if we’ll win an award, so it’s best to use it now. Ah- though my heart is racing like crazy!’

Ten minutes later.

After the lead actors of ‘Leech’ finished their introductions, they took their seats in the designated front row of the theater. Meanwhile, the 3,000 audience members continued to watch Kang Woojin.

The impact he had left was simply too overwhelming.

Naturally, murmurs continued to spread. Among the ten jury members

“An intriguing actor, isn’t he?”

“Hm, he’s definitely unique. He’ll attract some attention as a hot topic.”

“But how will his acting be?”

“We’ll find out soon enough.”

“If his acting falls short, the impact will fade quickly.”

“On the other hand, if his acting is good, the current impact will only double.”

“For now, let’s focus on the judging.”

And the reporters

“That actor, Kang Woojin? Whether his acting is good or bad, I already like him. Either way, he’s created a buzz.”

“Right, but wouldn’t it be more interesting if his acting is a bit lacking?”

“From what I’ve heard, it seems his acting isn’t bad.”

“Oh, it’s starting. Let’s just watch.”

At this point, the lights inside the grand ‘Lumière Theater’ dimmed. It meant the second screening of ‘Leech’ was imminent. Soon, Kang Woojin, with his indifferent expression, as well as

‘Ah, it’s starting, it’s starting.’

The entire ‘Leech’ team, Miley Cara, Director Danny, and all the audience members directed their gaze to the enormous screen. Then, a few seconds of silence. The first thing they heard was the sound.

-[“Hoo.”]

In the dark theater, the sound of someone exhaling filled the space. The previously dark screen gradually shifted to gray. In a moment, the 3,000 audience members realized that the gray was cigarette smoke. The angle pushed through the smoke in a close-up. A man’s face appeared on the screen. It was Kang Woojin.

Simultaneously, his narration began.

-[“I don’t know anymore, who I am. What I exist as. I’ve lost my way. Is it really me speaking right now?”]

Kang Woojin’s voice echoed through Cannes.

-[“Or am I just making excuses to fit the situation? Again, I don’t know. I might be smiling tomorrow morning.”]

French and English subtitles appeared at the bottom of the screen, making it easy for everyone to follow.

-[“Will I be the one laughing tomorrow morning? I’m confused. Am I imitating someone, or is that really me?”]

On the screen, Kang Woojin or rather, ‘Park Ha-seong’ was crouching down. Full shot. He continuously blew out cigarette smoke. His expression was indifferent, but there was a weariness in his demeanor. Soon, Woojin stubbed out his cigarette on the ground and lifted his head to look up at the sky. The weather was clear. Yet, Kang Woojin didn’t smile. He merely clicked his tongue briefly.

His voice layered over the scene again.

-[“But now, I can’t find my real self anymore. I think I lost it somewhere along the way. It’s going to be hard to find.”]

Just then, a voice was heard from off-screen.

“Hey! Hey!! Stop slacking off and get back to work!!”

“……Ah, yes.”

Kang Woojin got up without much reaction. Dressed in a cheap suit, he picked up a round tray placed nearby. The screen then revealed a wide lawn with a party, crowded with wealthy conglomerates living extravagant lives.

-♬♪

Soft classical music played, filling the atmosphere with ease. The angle slowly rose up, capturing Kang Woojin mingling among the conglomerates, as the title appeared between them.

-‘Leech’

Up to this point, the 3,000 audience members watched rather calmly. But the twist hit soon enough.

-[“Are you looking for something?”]

The meeting between Kang Woojin and the mute Madam Oh Hee-ryung, followed by Woojin’s sign language. In an instant, the expressions of the audience shifted. It was as if another layer of shock had settled over them. Just like with the French earlier, Woojin’s use of sign language was astonishingly fluid. Naturally, this was in line with his character in the movie.

Next came Sim Han-ho’s entrance as ‘Chairman Yoon Jung-bae’. Soon, they entangled themselves with ‘Leech’ and dragged it into the depths.

[“Honey, I’ll stay here and play with this kid. The party is too boring.”]

In a flash, the 3,000 audience members found themselves immersed in ‘Leech’. The tension surged dramatically. Most of the audience had been expecting a success story, but there was something strangely eerie about ‘Leech’ that set it apart.

Right away, the actor who caught the attention of the jury and the audience was Sim Han-ho.

‘Indeed, his presence is extraordinary from the moment he appears.’

From the conversation between Kang Woojin and Sim Han-ho, the pace of ‘Leech’ began to pick up.

-[“ The job is simple. Just be my wife’s personal secretary.”]

-[“What are you saying right now.”]

-[“Secretary is a nice word for it; it’s basically being a servant. Be her companion, keep her entertained, eat with her, go shopping with her. ”]

-[“……”]

-[“The goal is simple. Make my wife rely on you, blindly.”]

The beginning of the end. Around this point, the audience noticed a subtle change in Kang Woojin’s expression and psychological state. This was after he had set foot in the conglomerate’s mansion. His emotions while spending time with Madam Yoo Hyun-ji gradually shifted from mere ‘work’ to something ‘real’, with a faint sense of ‘possessiveness’ creeping in.

The first lie was told to the conglomerate family’s youngest daughter, Yoon Ji-min.

-[“What did Mom just say!”]

-[“She told me to be close with you.”]

In fact, Madam Yoo Hyun-ji had used sign language to say, “Ignore my daughter”. But Yoon Ji-min believed Park Ha-seong’s words. She believed him? She believed my words. Little by little, the ‘Park Ha-seong’ on screen, or rather, Kang Woojin, began to change. He no longer saw Yoo Hyun-ji and Yoon Ji-min as people, but as targets.

A lie told becomes reality.

-[“Then it must be true, right?”]

In that case, it wasn’t fiction. Who could discern lies from truth? In this household, only Kang Woojin could. Lies and truth were invisible. Only phenomena took place. Lies were like magic. Once spoken, they came to pass.

Kang Woojin’s psychology evolved into something darker.

His influence grew larger.

Chillingly, Woojin’s face was completely different from how it had been in the beginning. Chairman Yoon Jung-bae sensed that something was amiss, but he was too busy to address it. This was the first appearance of the eldest son, Yoon Ja-ho.

The setting was the yard of the massive mansion.

Yoon Ja-ho spoke first, smirking.

-[“How is mother doing these days?”]

Kang Woojin didn’t answer immediately. He stared intently at Yoon Ja-ho. Close-up of his pupils. The light had left his eyes. They had become distorted and tainted. Pure yet murky. In ‘Leech’, close-ups of Kang Woojin’s eyes were frequent. This was to reveal his inner psyche to the audience.

At this moment, he was a silent monster.

-[“Madam— no, Mother is doing very well.”]

And then.

‘……Oh my god.’

Miley Cara’s blue eyes widened dramatically as she covered her mouth with both hands.

‘Something beyond Method Acting. That performance- it’s indescribable.’

Because it was frightening.